Ferns

Ferns reproduce through spores, which often develop in small groups on the undersides of mature fronds. These groups are called sori and may look like regular brown spots or lines.

Indoor ferns come from varied habitats, including humid forest ground, tree branches and shaded rock surfaces. Their fronds may emerge as broad crowns, long arches or finely divided leaves.

Indoor ferns

Nephrolepis, including the familiar Boston fern, develops long arching fronds that spread over the edge of a pot. Asplenium ‘Crispy Wave’ grows broad, rippled leaves from a central crown; Adiantum raddianum has finely divided foliage on thin stems. Davallia produces creeping rhizomes that often become visible at the pot edge.

Many indoor ferns grow well in indirect daylight with a growing medium that remains lightly moist. Fine-leaved Adiantum is especially sensitive to long dry spells, while ferns grown on bark or other open material may need their own watering rhythm. Humid air and gentle movement of air are helpful for delicate fronds.

Most familiar true ferns, including Boston and bird’s-nest ferns, are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. Check the botanical identity of any plant sold under a ‘fern’ common name, since the name also appears on unrelated plants.